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Don’t Skip the Protein: Our bodies are highly dependent on protein, as it is found in virtually every body part and tissue throughout our bodies. Proteins are made up of amino acids, known as the building blocks of proteins. Since the body doesn’t store amino acids, as it does fats or carbohydrates, it needs a daily supply of amino acids to make new protein. Light summer meals sometimes lack enough protein, which can put your body’s systems at risk.

For more information on the benefits of proteins and to receive 25% off your orders through the end of July 2010, enter coupon code HS2010 at the Naturade online store.

Summer is abundant with nutrition-rich fresh fruits and vegetables. Take advantage by keeping the refrigerator well stocked with snack size servings of fresh carrots, colorful bell peppers and bite-size pieces of broccoli and cauliflower.

Likewise, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of picking berries from the garden or the wild, you already know how wonderful fresh berries are. They are a delicious natural source of protective antioxidants. In fact, did you know that one cup of sliced strawberries contains almost as much vitamin C as one cup of orange juice?

For more Nutrition Information for Raw Fruits, Vegetables, and Fish from the Food and Drug Administration, visit www.fda.gov

Protect Your Skin: If you’re heading off to the beach to enjoy the sun, sand and surf this summer, it’s essential that you take the right steps to protect your skin. Experts suggest applying sun screen with an SPF of 30 or higher before arriving at the beach, then reapplying after swimming or sweating to ensure adequate protection from harmful UV rays. However, sun exposure has been found to offer positive health benefits, as well, such as increasing your body’s production of Vitamin D.

Unfortunately, many people suffer from low levels of vitamin D, and studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of heart disease, to which experts advocate for supplementation in the winter of about 2,000 IUs per day and a dose of daily sunshine in the summer.

Take Your Exercise Outdoors: Days are longer, the weather is mild – take your exercise routine outdoors and enjoy the rejuvenation that comes from breathing in fresh air! As an added bonus for your good health, leave the car keys at home and take up bike riding or walking this summer. But remember, drink plenty of fluids, wear proper clothing and time your exercise to avoid extreme heat.